The publication of the Future of Freight plan by the Government is a positive step forward for industry, said Michelle Gardner, Head of Public Policy at Logistics UK. It reaffirms government’s vital support of one of the largest sectors of the UK economy and helps to provide clarity for logistics businesses moving forward. “The inclusion of £7 million investment to boost the uptake of innovative … [Read more...]
From canals to carriageways, the FTA takes a new road today
One of the UK's oldest motoring organisations today changed its name to embrace modern transport. The FTA, which can trace its origins to campaigning for operators rights since 1888, has become Logistics UK. Following the 1888 Railway and Canal Traffic Act traders were given a right of complaint to the Board of Trade if they felt that railway rates or services were unreasonable, according to … [Read more...]
M4 congestion report bypasses facts, says logistics group
The report published last week by the South East Wales Transport Commission that aims to tackle congestion on the M4 bypasses the key role which freight plays in sustaining the communities and industry in Wales, according to the business group which represents the logistics sector. “Disappointingly, the report overlooks the key role which logistics plays in keeping the Welsh economy supported … [Read more...]
Apprenticeship levy is a wasted resource but also a tax
The Government's apprenticeship levy is a wasted resource and become just another tax for businesses, says the freight sector. In response to figures obtained by the BBC that reveal employers are failing to use hundreds of millions of pounds that was intended for training apprentices, Sally Gilson, Head of Skills Policy at FTA, said, “As the business organisation representing the logistics … [Read more...]
After the fuel fright, freight calls for future to be fingerposted
The Road Haulage Association has set out its general approach to decarbonising the freight and logistics sector, calling on the Government to develop a 'freight roadmap' towards net zero and develop consistent, supportive policies to "give our members confidence to plan for a green future". Meanwhile, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers has published a separate report which focuses on the … [Read more...]
Importance of freight getting attention
After many years of lobbying and Government engagement, the freight sector is finally being recognised for its importance to local and national economies. The sector sits at the core of the UK economy, supporting over 2.5 million jobs and contributing £124 billion to the economy. It is estimated that the weight of goods transported by freight is expected to increase by 50% over the coming … [Read more...]
Cardiff Airport’s big lift for future
A new on-site multi-storey car park and improved transport links are among proposals unveiled today for Cardiff Airport. Welsh Government and Cardiff Airport said they want to double the number of passengers from today’s 1.5m by 2040 with a new terminal, on-site hotel and transport hub included. … [Read more...]
Driver shortage in logistics sector
The freight and logistics sector is still suffering a shortage of skilled drivers. That’s according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA)’s July Quarterly Transport Activity Survey (QTAS), sponsored by Santander Corporate Banking. The survey, which asked the opinions of 6,000 freight and logistics businesses in the FTA’s membership, showed that almost a third of respondents were … [Read more...]